Allen
provided a key to the four important species related to A. fragariae. The key is useful in that it
provides gross characters for separating the four species, but Sanwal's more
detailed key would be necessary for more precise diagnosis.

Endoparasite in leaves, but also feeds
ectoparasitically on leaf and flower buds in some plants.

Many species of Aphelenchoides feed on fungi. Fungal-feeding
species are common in soil and generally appear to have shorter stylets (< 8 µm)
than plant-feeding species.

Ruess et al (2000) studied the growth of Aphelenchoides sp.
populations in vitro on 17 different fungal species. Nematode
populations developed on saprophytic (Agrocybe, Chaetomium) and
especially on mycorrhizal fungi (Cenococcum,Hymenoscyphus, Laccaria).
They speculate that grazing by nematodes may influence the establishment and
maintenance of mycorrhizal associations in the field.

Mitosporic species, like Alternaria, Monocillium or Penicillium,
were generally poor or non-hosts. This poor host status may be due to the
release of toxic metabolites (e.g., antibiotics) and/or to morphological
differences (e.g., forming of conidiophores) by the fungi.

Food preference of Aphelenchoides sp. was tested in choice chamber
experiments. Nematodes showed a marked preference for particular fungal species.
They changed food source with time, indicating a "mixed diet"
selection. The attractiveness of a fungus was not necessarily correlated
with its suitability as a host.